A lot of community centres and church groups feel inspired to update their kitchen in the new year, so if you are one of them, here are the most important things to consider and remember when you are planning the project.

The best materials for your community kitchen

If you are replacing a tired or worn kitchen, it is important that you don’t install one that will soon also deteriorate. Many community kitchens are made of materials like MDF with vinyl-wrapped doors, which is perfectly fine in a domestic setting, but will not suit a busy communal kitchen where usage is heavy.

Vinyl peels and burns, MDF absorbs moisture, and gaps that appear in sealant are very hospitable environments for bacteria.

For a hygienic and durable kitchen, you should choose a powder-coated mild steel carcass and stainless steel worktop. Those materials will give you an easy-to-clean kitchen that lasts.

Steelplan’s Kitchens’ units are made of Zintec polyester powder-coated mild steel with stainless steel worktops, and offer the highest quality designs on the market. We also offer our units in full stainless steel, although this might not be desirable in a community application.

The best design and layout for your community kitchen

A renovation is the perfect time to consider whether you could improve the way the space is laid out and designed. There may be basic things missing like a kitchen triangle, or you could take the opportunity to make the kitchen more accessible.

There may even be an opportunity to discover smart design solutions that make efficient use of the space and maximise the kitchen’s potential and ease of use. Steelplan is the perfect partner for unlocking the possibilities of your kitchen — we have transformed countless church and community kitchens, and we offer a free-of-charge 3D design and consultation service so you can perfectly visualise your kitchen design in situ before procurement decisions are made, meaning you can proceed with the project with confidence.

Funding your community kitchen renovation

As with any project, the question of funding is always high on the list. Here are some tips and things to remember:

• It is tempting to choose a ‘budget’ option, but with community kitchens, the phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ is truer than ever. Inexpensive kitchens with cheap materials deteriorate quickly and need replacing soon, making the choice more expensive in the long run. Choose robust materials (mild steel, for example) to get a kitchen that lasts for decades.
• When planning the finances of your community kitchen, don’t forget to factor in the revenue it could generate. Having a more versatile kitchen that accommodates more users and equipment creates more possibilities for event hosting and catering to raise funds.
• Don’t forget that grants may be available

Do you want to upgrade your kitchen to a safer, more hygienic, and more enjoyable space for all users? Get in touch with the design experts at Steelplan Kitchens and we will give you a free consultation on how to transform the kitchen in your church or community centre. Call 0844 809 9186 or email [email protected].